Young entrepreneurs take on the national final of the Young Trader Competition 2024

After the successful local and regional heats, the Young Trader Competition is gearing up for the national final taking place in Stratford-Upon-Avon over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The talented young traders will compete in the competition’s four categories: food and drink, arts and crafts, general retail and grocery.

Visitors will be able to discover lots of unique and homemade products from an array of very talented young traders.

Participants are hoping to follow in the footsteps of previous national winners Sophie Mann and Jessica Moulsher, who traded their way from the West Suffolk local and regional heats, to the national final and were crowned as winners.

Those heading to the final after winning their categories in the regional heat include: Anna Sutton from Anna Joan’s Art, Sophie Aris from Handmade Galore, James Larder from Roasters Coffee and Rebecca Bridges from B.B’s Bakery.

Indy Wijenayaka, cabinet member for Growth at West Suffolk Council, said: “The Young Trader Competition serves a vital role to encourage young people to consider a career in market trading and business. It provides a safe environment for the youth in our community to experiment with their products and hone their skills.

“Markets play a crucial role in our thriving communities in West Suffolk, and it has been a delight to see such talented young people so passionate about market trading. We wish all of our traders the very best as they progress to the final stage of the competition.”

The Young Trader Competition is organised by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) to encourage and support young entrepreneurs in considering a career in market trading.

West Suffolk Council has been proud to support traders throughout the heats by providing insurance and equipment.